EV and PV are coming together in an Austin, Texas research project. [Photo Courtesy Pecan Street Inc.]

More good news on the home solar + electric vehicle synergy front: Chevrolet is working with a number of other companies, including Best Buy, and SunEdison, a solar energy services provider, to study and promote the EV + PV connection.

The collaboration is part of the Pecan Street Inc. smart grid project.  As part of the project, SunEdison will be leading development of the advanced home solar photovoltaic charging systems for Chevrolet Volt electric vehicles.

"This project will enable us to support zero-carbon footprint automotive solutions," said SunEdison President Carlos Domenech.

EV + PV + smart grid
According to SunEdison, the project – located in Austin, Texas -- will take place in an area that will have one of America’s most highly concentrated residential installations of EVs, home services systems, smart appliances and the charging of cars from home solar panels.  

According to SunEdison, more than 150 participating residents will have rooftop solar PV, including nearly all of the residents who acquire Volts. A number of the SunEdison-led home solar vehicle charging systems will also have in-home batteries.

Data collected about how and when customers use energy will support the development of smart EV+PV systems that provide truly green transportation, notes SunEdison. 

"To be relevant, smart grid energy innovations must solve consumers' problems and provide services that excite them," said Pecan Street Inc. executive director Brewster McCracken.  

Related articles-->

• GM adding solar-powered EV charging stations to dealerships
• Solar EV charging canopies: The next commuter fueling stations
• Get off oil crowd will choose Volt over plug-in Prius
• Solar-charged driving 101

Like this story? Interested in the solar EV/PHEV synergy? Join our Sun Miles® Club and start meeting & interacting with other people around the world who want to drive, or already are driving, their cars on sun! Register to join us today!